Proposal for Bars/Restaurants to Halt Booze Early

Currently, bars and restaurants in Charleston may serve alcohol until 2:00 a.m., but proposed legislation in City Council wants to move closing time to 12:00 a.m. A bill, up for debate today, seeks to create a moratorium on the early morning drinking for new businesses in "Late Night Zoning." These areas include "the Market area and along East Bay Street, all of King Street and much of Meeting Street."

In a memorandum to City Council, Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Police Chief Greg Mullen, and ‎Director of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability Tim Keane state that Charleston is "close to a tipping point in terms of late night and early morning bar related activity and challenges in our city." News outlet WBTV* quotes council member Mike Seekings as stating it is all about balance, while News 2 has input from visitors saying it is a "horrible idea."

City Council discusses the matter this evening, at 5:00 p.m., in City Hall (80 Broad St.). Citizens are encouraged to voice their opinion. The entire ordinance is posted below.
[*Update: Originally reported by WCSC]

Memorandum